The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has disbursed UGX 3,151,730,162 (3.1 billion) in revenue-sharing funds to six districts surrounding the Murchison Falls Protected Area.
The disbursement event, held at Nwoya District headquarters, was presided over by the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Tom Butime.
Butime emphasized the importance of this initiative, highlighting the crucial role played by local communities in safeguarding Uganda’s natural heritage.
“Today’s disbursement is a testament to the Government’s recognition of the indispensable role that communities play in conserving our wildlife. The funds released today are not just a financial transaction; they are a reflection of our commitment to ensuring that the benefits of conservation are shared equitably with those who live closest to these protected areas,” he said.
“As tourism continues to recover, we anticipate even greater contributions to these communities in the future, fostering both conservation and development,” he added.
The substantial financial support also underscores the government of Uganda’s commitment to recognizing and empowering the communities that are essential to the conservation of the nation’s wildlife.
The funds have been disbursed to the districts as follows; Pakwach district received UGX 360,339,273, Buliisa district; UGX 810,577,781, Masindi district; UGX 297,978,765, Kiryandongo district; UGX 746,780,468, Oyam district; UGX 220,504,355 and Nwoya district; UGX 715,549,520.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Mr Raymong Engena appreciated the support from the districts and pledged the commitment of the board to ensure communities benefit from conservation work done by UWA.
“The Board remains steadfast in its dedication to making sure that conservation is not just about protecting wildlife, but also about enhancing the livelihoods of those who live alongside these protected resources,” he said.
The Executive Director of UWA, Sam Mwandha, highlighted the progress made in community development through previous disbursements and the positive impact on the local economy.
“Since 2005, UWA has been committed to ensuring that the benefits of wildlife conservation extend beyond the borders of our protected areas. The projects funded by these disbursements have transformed lives by improving infrastructure, education, and healthcare in these communities. We are confident that the funds released today will further enhance the livelihoods of the people in these districts,” stated Mwandha.
Chairman of Nwoya District, Emmanuel Orach, acknowledged the challenges that come with living near protected areas but also recognized the opportunities provided through such financial support.
“Our communities have long borne the costs of living alongside wildlife, but with these funds, we are seeing tangible benefits. We are committed to ensuring that these resources are used wisely to improve our infrastructure, health services, and overall quality of life. We appreciate the Government and UWA for their continued support,” said Okello.
The function was also attended by the Member of Parliament for Nwoya East Geoffrey Okello who appreciated the government for ensuring that communities neighbouring the protected areas are given a share of the proceeds from tourism activities.
In line with the revised guidelines, the revenue-sharing funds are now a conditional grant. District Local Governments are required to ensure these funds are utilized efficiently and for their intended purposes.
Chief Administrative Officers are responsible for the proper management, timely reporting and accountability of the funds, with non-compliance leading to suspension of future disbursements.
